Why They Fight

It's not the occupation. The issue is, and has always been, Israel's existence.

Next June will mark the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War. For four decades we have been told that the cause of the anger, violence and terror against Israel is its occupation of the territories seized in that war. End the occupation and the "cycle of violence" ceases.

The problem with this claim was that before Israel came into possession of the West Bank and Gaza in the Six-Day War, every Arab state had rejected Israel's right to exist and declared Israel's pre-1967 borders -- now deemed sacred -- to be nothing more than the armistice lines suspending, and not ending, the 1948-49 war to exterminate Israel.

But you don't have to be a historian to understand the intention of Israel's enemies. You only have to read today's newspapers.

Exhibit A: Gaza. Just last September, Israel evacuated Gaza completely. It declared the border between Israel and Gaza an international frontier, renouncing any claim to the territory. Gaza became the first independent Palestinian territory in history. Yet the Gazans continued the war. They turned Gaza into a base for launching rocket attacks against Israel and for digging tunnels under the border to conduct attacks such as the one that killed two Israeli soldiers on June 25 and yielded a wounded hostage brought back to Gaza. Israeli tanks have now had to return to Gaza to try to rescue the hostage and suppress the rocket fire.

Exhibit B: South Lebanon. Two weeks later, the Lebanese terror organization, Hezbollah, which has representation in the Lebanese parliament and in the cabinet, launched an attack into Israel on Wednesday that resulted in the deaths of eight soldiers and the wounding of two others, who were brought back to Lebanon as hostages.

What's the grievance here? Israel withdrew from Lebanon completely in 2000. It was so scrupulous in making sure that not one square inch of Lebanon was left inadvertently occupied that it asked the United Nations to verify the exact frontier defining Lebanon's southern border and retreated behind it. This "blue line" was approved by the Security Council, which declared that Israel had fully complied with resolutions demanding its withdrawal from Lebanon.

Hezbollah has done to South Lebanon exactly what Hamas has done to Gaza: turned it into a military base and terrorist operations center from which to continue the war against Israel.

Grievance satisfied. Yet what happens? Hezbollah has done to South Lebanon exactly what Hamas has done to Gaza: turned it into a military base and terrorist operations center from which to continue the war against Israel. South Lebanon bristles with Hezbollah's 10,000 Katyusha rockets that put northern Israel under the gun. Fired in the first hours of fighting, just 85 of these killed two Israelis and wounded 120 in Israel's northern towns.

Over the past six years, Hezbollah has launched periodic raids and rocket attacks into Israel. Israeli retaliation has led to the cessation of these provocations -- until the next time convenient for Hezbollah. Wednesday was such a time. One terror base located in fully unoccupied Arab territory (South Lebanon) attacks Israel in support of another terror base in another fully unoccupied Arab territory (Gaza).

Why? Because occupation was a mere excuse to persuade gullible and historically ignorant Westerners to support the Arab cause against Israel. The issue is, and has always been, Israel's existence. That is what is at stake.

It was Yasser Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization that convinced the world that the issue was occupation. Yet, through all those years of pretense, Arafat's own group celebrated its annual Fatah Day on the anniversary of its first attack on Israel, the bombing of Israel's National Water Carrier -- on Jan. 1, 1965.

Note: 1965. Two years before the 1967 war. Two years before Gaza and the West Bank fell into Israeli hands. Two years before there were any "occupied territories."

But, again, who needs history? As the Palestinian excuses for continuing their war disappear one by one, the rhetoric is becoming more bold and honest. Just Tuesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, writing in The Post, referred to Israel as "a supposedly 'legitimate' state" ["Aggression Under False Pretenses," op-ed, July 11].

He made clear what he wants done with this bastard entity. "Contrary to popular depictions of the crisis in the American media," he writes, "the dispute is not only about Gaza and the West Bank." It is about "a wider national conflict" that requires the vindication of "Palestinian national rights."

That, of course, means the right to all of Palestine, with no Jewish state. In the end, the fighting is about "the core 1948 issues, rather than the secondary ones from 1967." In 1967 Israel acquired the "occupied territories." In 1948 Israel acquired life. The fighting raging now in 2006 -- between Israel and the "genocidal Islamism" (to quote the writer Yossi Klein Halevi) of Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran behind them -- is about whether that life should and will continue to exist.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Charles Krauthammer is a sydicated columnist for the Washington Post, and a contributor on Fox News. He has been named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary.

Visitor Comments: 35

(35)
Ruth C Uppena,
May 13, 2009 11:32 AM

I did not write this , I quote:"If Krauthammer and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee crowd want to make a real case against Hamas, they could point to the ambiguity of Meshal's words to the Times: "The central goal is the liberation of the occupied land and regaining our rights, ending the Israeli occupation, leading our people toward liberation and freedom, achieving the right of self-determination and living in a sovereign state on liberated land."

(34)
Anonymous,
December 30, 2008 6:43 PM

Why Does Israel Put Up With Gaza?

1. Why doesn't Israel remove all inhabitants from Gaza and West Bank and make the land military zones for a period of time?
2. Why do muslim countries (who are sympathic with Israel's enemies) refrain from welcoming these West Bank and Gaza residents to their countries?
It appears that it is time for Israel to "clean house." I support Israel's existance and prosperity.

(33)
Norma Fares,
January 9, 2007 10:04 AM

Excellent

Dear Aish.com: Thank you for posting another excellent article by Charles Kruathamer. As a visitor of your blog, I want to congratulate you for your outstanding efforts which makes of me very proud of you my! Kindly you convey my all respect to C. Krauthamer as well as the whole team of Aish.com...Norma FaresBeirut, Lebanon

(32)
SUZICLARK,
October 18, 2006 3:08 PM

The arab extremists have only one goal, being Israel has no right to exist and must be erased from the earth.

When children are being raised and educated in school to not trust Americans and/or Jews, what hope is there? The only possibility for reason and true thinking tfor a person like this is as follows: One must be able to break away from the shackles of ignorence because they are intelligent and question. They must also have contact with the outside world and have an open mind when reading and discussing. It is very difficult to have been born and raised into a situation where the hatred and mistrust is all you hear and experiencee by like thinkers. Thank G-d there are children who grown up and have good minds and curiosity enough to explore with their own minds. These are the children of te world who venture out and are willing to meet all kinds of people to make a sincere change in the world, one person at a time.Thank G-d for them, and I am sure they will be blessed. These are the kind of young peoople who can go home and influence the older generation, and more importantly, their peers.

(31)
Charles Judah,
August 7, 2006 12:00 AM

At last! the truth comes out good work

Finally people are getting the truth instead of the biased reporting of the various news broadcasts. Journalists should not report their own views on any situation, this tends to provide them with unnessary authority and naturally to show that they are reporting breaking news concoct their own stories to fill in the blanks. In anycase 99 of all reporters are jew haters just like the Hamas and Hizbullah and some Arab Nations.Charles JudahHaifa Israel

(30)
WatchmanToday,
July 30, 2006 12:00 AM

The Gates of Hell shall not Prevail

Israel..She will never fall before the demonic feet nor into the unholy hands of such people. She was raised from the tears and sadness of the dust and weighted down by the Hand of God. He has total control of the whole situation for His purpose, His people and The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against Her.

(29)
Bob,
July 22, 2006 12:00 AM

This is known to all Israelis not to the rest of the world.

Why these stories should be printed and commentred in American and Canadian newspapers, newsmedia, maybe then people would understand what is is that Israel is trying to achieve. Most of the population of these two countird sees only the other side of the stories, even now all we see is what is happening in Lebanon, portraying Isreal as agrresor not defender of its right to peaceful existance. Israel media should really do something about.

(28)
mike,
July 22, 2006 12:00 AM

what a contradition as one side is saying is because of occupation and the other side is saying is because of exixtence.

i think is an high time tha, the national community shoul look into this issue of occupation and existence.Becuase, with this heating up the war by some faceless accused countries, if we fail to aresst the now, some terrible may happing in the nearest future. And guess what...the 3rd world war

(27)
Anonymous,
July 20, 2006 12:00 AM

completely agree

Its my humble opinion also that they (hezbollah) were playing games to see where they coulreach a new height

(26)
aramis joel ramirez,
July 19, 2006 12:00 AM

TO CHARLES KRAUTHHAMMER

I AM FROM PUERTO RICO LIVE IN U.S BUT MY HART IS ALWAYS ON ISRAEL, HAVE A LOT OF LOVE FOR THE ISRAELIS. MY DAD USE TO WORK IN A JEWISH SCHOOL ON LONG ISLAND, ALWAYS HAVE GOOD MEMORIES ABOUT THE JEWISH WAY OF LIVE, SO RESPETFULL AND EDUCATED PEOPLE, NEVER UNDERSTUD THE REASON WAY THEY BEEN ALWAYS PROCECUTED BY THE ARABS, UNTIL I READ THIS ARTICLE.I AGREE WITH THIS ARTICLE 100%. I WILL PRINTED AND PASS IT ON TO OTHERS LIKE ME, WHO LOVE AND RESPET THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, THE REAL OWNERS OF THAT LAND.

(25)
Howard,
July 18, 2006 12:00 AM

Is GW Bush smarter than 6 prior presidents?

There is a movie entitled As good as it Gets. With Israel, the notion of a land of peace is probably unrealistic in an area of religious, territorial, and political differences. We can only hope for an uneasy transitional peace.

That was present to the some extent through the 90's. Tourists came to Israel and the extent of terrorism was less. There was active and even-handed diplomacy by the US. Dennis Ross details numberous trips and meetings with Arab leaders which reduced tensions and provided goals for the Arab community. Indeed, diplomacy and mediation has been a part of US policy for the last 35 years through presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Sr. and Clinton.

Only GW Bush has abandoned this, and the results are sad for everyone. No one can suggest things are better for Israel in 2006 than one or two decades before.

Programs where the US mediates and provides funds for developement facilitate peace and are ultimately more
cost-effective than war.

Perhaps Israel did what it had to do. There is no US foreign policy, no mediation, just blind adherence to some narrow principles by a C+ student who evaded his own war and somehow managed to make it to the White House.

This is not the viewpoint of those ignorant of Jewish past. Some of the most effective mediation has been done by American Jews like Henry Kissinger, Sol Linowitz, and Dennis Ross.

Look for small areas of agreement, convene a conference, provide incentives for peace, and look for an uneasy cessation of hostilities and an active peace process in which Arab communities are involved.

(24)
Sanford D. Horn,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Gaza Withdrawal Spoke Volumes & This War is Vs. Iran

In another failed effort to trade land for peace, the evacuation/surrender of Gaza verified what we already knew - we are not dealing with a rational enemy. This is nothing new, but in this case, the Palestinians took a thriving (sort of) Gaza and burned it to the ground. They got what they wanted and STILL behaved like the vicious killers and thugs they are. As for this being war versus Iran, they are supporting and backing the Hezbollah, Lebanese and anyone else waging war against Israel. Thank goodness for the strident friendship Israel enjoys with the United States, the greatest nation on Earth, as President Bush continues to defend Israel.

(23)
Nour Syria,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

It is about Jerusalem

I don't think we can put Iran, Syria and HEZBOLLAH all in one place.
Iran and HEZBOLLAH have a religious motive while Syria wants to show off, and the rolling Baath party wants to keep its existence.
Either way, God will provide soldiers to free his holly land. It is not about Israel's existence, it is all about alQuds (Jerusalem). If Israel gives it back to the Palestinians, there would be peace

(22)
eric,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

there is not much more to say.

i read the article and i completely agree with it. I just wanted to add that for the terrorists it is also the very existence of the terrorisme that they try to keep .
Remember when the world was dealing with pirates in the seas. It was only when all countries understood that the pirates were not to be tolerated and then denied harbord by rogue states or ... other organized or desorganized land owners, that the pirates went outboard.
The same things has to happen to the cause of terrorisme, it has to be thrown over board. This for the sake of all, including the very people that are driven to it by very conniving and manipulative people.
I think that we start to see this happening. The very states that support the terrorists groups are trying to distance themselves from them. it is not easy but what else is there to do. If you support bad things , you are bad things and will be treated as such...
like somebody said if you are with them against us you are not we us against them and as you are with them against us you will be treatd like them. Pure and simple logig, even i can understand it, so can dthey and they do and still they try to con us into negociating ... they say all they want is a negociated solution, they negociate their solution, and if their solution is our death , this is not a problem to them, they did and will again accomodate . I also noticed that they claim to want to negociate only when they are not succeding otherways in conning and destroying us. They only want to impose their religion and they do not even tolerate themselves , look in Irak and elsewhere they kills each other but the bus load, nowhere in the world do you see other people on a regular basis making a point in killing , murdering people at random with such a plaisure as by the islamistes radicales idealogistes, this is reminiscent of the nazis and the only difference is that they do it to the jew in Israel and that Israel is there to oppose then and this is what Israel should be and is doing.
They do not want jews and Israel, too D. bad. israel and the jews are here to stay. Only G. Will decide and i think G. has decided long time ago who he wants as his cildren, certainly not these murderers...

(21)
Sid Weitz,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

A Wwar that will Never End

When Eretz Yisroel was created the arab armies thought that they could take over the land for themselves. They failed, Again nd again they tried, and each time they failed. Their collective psyche, the arab version of "Deutchland Uber Alles" has been bruised time and again. They have been reduced to playing the poor, oppressed people who have been "driven" from their land. Land which is historically and politically not theirs. However, most of this population is insulated from the rest of civilization. It is bombarded with hate from their own people. The only real chance for peace died years ago with Anwar Sadat. Since then no one in the Arab world has had the vision and fortitude to help the killing to end.

(20)
Bruce Grant,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Your existance

I agree and so do my friends, you are, in the end, fighting for your existance.
That is what this is about. We support you whole heartedly. WE also realise that it could be us in the west in thefuture

(19)
Robert,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Some valid points

Although I agree with some of Mr. Krauthammer's points, I do not think that killing, wounding and destroying the property of civilians is ever justified. Self-defence not not include killing civilians. If we Jews are to be "a light unto the nations", the IDF would need to behave differently from Hezbollah. In the the past few years, anti-semitism has increased in several countries. This latest war on civilians in Lebanon will fuel the fire of anti-semitism. Israelis want the support of Jews living elsewhere. Why do they not care about the effect of their actions on those of us who live outside Israel?

(18)
Anonymous,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Great Article

This is the ultimate truth .. Islam is the issue and we christians and you jews are considered infidels and they want us all dead. Not going to happen.

(17)
Ruth Amit,
July 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Question: how to reason with the unreasonable?

Your articles are always excellant but you don't have to convince me. For some reason they fail to convince the broader spectrum of reader. The pathos of Haniya is nothing compared to the reason of Krauthammer. Lies do not matter. The lie the Palestinians have been fed on has become their truth, as it has become the truth for the vast majority of the rest of the world. That is what needs to be fought.

(16)
Anonymous,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Even handed media - Not

I am an English Atheist Goy [I think that is the right word] but entirely support Israel's struggle.
Unfortunately the BBC which used to be unbiased seems to have become aligned with the Arab cause.
Terrorist atrocities are 'Claimed', not 'Admitted' and Israel's defensive retaliation is reported emphasising the number of civilian Arab casualties.
No equal reporting is given about the continual attacks sufferd daily by Israel.
This article needs to be in the British press too.

(15)
david Schwep,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

the true enemy

Excellent article.

in light of the increased tension in the middle East I think there are some important things to consider:

Hamas: (the elected ruling power of the Palestinians) exists for one reason: To utterly wipe Israel and all Western democracies off the face of the earth.
Hezbellah: formed in 1982 with the purpose of ruling and forcing the world into 'submission to Allah' and will not relent until it's mission is accomplished.
Islamic Jihad: has the same mission as above only it's name is a little more obvious. 'Jihad' denotes a physical struggle (war) to accomplish the end of a world submitted to Islamic rule.
All three of these Islamic groups feed upon their underlying hatred for the rest of civilized world.
They have Always targeted and killed civilian populations to accomplish their ends.
Simply put, they want us dead even if it means killing themselves to do so. We know this to be so as we have witnessed it many times.
They make the most unreasonable demands upon the rest of us yet they want free reign to destroy, to kill, to maim.
These are the ones who scream the loudest concerning the smallest offensive statement about Muslims while they continue their murderous 'Jihad' in the name of their god.
They 'celebrate' the destruction of those who they hate more than freedom.
They have duped much of the mainstream media with their fables.
They have Never "helped" another people, in-fact they are more likely to kill their own than they are to perform a beneficent deed.
Conclusion: Why do we allow such groups the right to exist?
It seems quite obvious. If we let them, they will destroy Israel and the USA.
Either we destroy them or they will destroy us. Kill or be killed. Islamic terror by it's very own words and nature will eventually be victorious unless it is obliterated.
It is a cancer which must be terminated before it terminates us all.
As long as we give them any platform we are granting them credibly and we are furthering their cause.
Why then does so much of the world wish to acknowledge these groups through negotiation and tolerance??
If a nation has the ability and power to stop these in their tracks and does nothing - are not we accessory in their crimes ?

May God help us.

(14)
Joel K. Harris, Sr.,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

What to do with evil?

I read the comments concerning the middle east and the issue is survial.

However, no one mentioned God.

What happened to God?

David used only a slingshot. Davids security and trust was with God and not man.

(13)
yitzhak,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

good

so what do you think now about the unilateral whithdrawl ?? I was until last week for it and after your article and the new uotbreak I no longer am sure about it

(12)
Bob,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Krauthammer is right on target.

Sometimes we need a good review of the background of the current Middle East. This article does just that.

(11)
Anonymous,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

WHY ISRAEL FIGHTS

July 15, 2006 -- Below are excerpts from a speech yesterday by Israel's U.N. ambassador, Dan Gillerman, at the U.N. Security Council emergency meeting on the Israel-Lebanon crisis.

HEZBOLLAH terrorists, operating with impunity in southern Lebanon, [on Wednesday] unleashed a sudden and unprovoked attack into Israeli territory. Scores of Katyusha rockets rained down on Israeli towns and villages, causing many civilian casualties. In the midst of this horrific assault, Hezbollah terrorists infiltrated Israel, killing a number of soldiers and kidnapping two more, who were taken deep into the terrorist stronghold of Lebanon.

Israel had no choice but to react, as would any other responsible democratic government. Having shown unparalleled restraint for six years while bearing the brunt of countless attacks, Israel had to respond to this absolutely unprovoked assault whose scale and depth was unprecedented in recent years.

Let me emphasize this indisputable fact: Israel's actions were in direct response to an act of war from Lebanon.

Although Israel holds the government of Lebanon responsible, it is concentrating its response carefully, mainly on Hezbollah strongholds, positions and infrastructure.

The hundreds of Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon in the last few days demonstrate the magnitude of the immense arsenal of rockets and weapons that Hezbollah has amassed over the last few years, a danger we have repeatedly warned against.

Many of the long-range missiles that have hit Israeli towns - including Nahariya, Zefat, Rosh Pina and the port city of Haifa - were launched from private homes with families residing inside, where a special room was designated as a launching pad, with the family playing host to the missile. This is yet another example of the cynical and brutal way the Hezbollah organization uses civilians as human shields, with complete disregard for human life. . . .

Over the last 48 hours, more than 500 Katyushas and mortar shells were fired into the northern part of Israel, killing 2 civilians and wounding hundreds more, among them, women and children. Israeli civilians and eight Israeli soldiers have been killed. Hundreds have been wounded.

It is very important for the international community to understand that while Hezbollah executes this vicious terrorism, it is only the finger on the bloodstained, long-reaching arms of Syria and Iran. Hezbollah, together with Hamas, Syria and Iran, comprise the world's new and ominous Axis of Terror, an infamous club, the entry fee to which is the blood of innocents and the terrorizing of the entire world.

Membership to this club requires an unfathomable capacity for evil. The president of Iran has repeatedly denied the Holocaust, while gleefully preparing the next one. Many of the long-range missiles fired into Israel in recent days were Iranian missiles, made by the same regime that is now trying to possess nuclear weapons - this same regime that is funding Hezbollah to the sum of 100 million dollars a year.

Syria, another member of this club, is a well-known protector and financier of terrorist organizations, playing host to them in its capital, Damascus. The Syrian government, which still regards Lebanon as southern Syria, works ceaselessly to undermine all efforts toward a peaceful future in the region.

Lebanon is today occupied by terror, whether in the south, where it is directed at Israel, or in Beirut, where it kills opponents of Syria and former prime ministers. The real occupying power in Lebanon is terror - terror instigated by Hezbollah but initiated, funded and perpetrated by Syria and Iran.

The Lebanese government, having missed so many chances in the past, at such a horrendous cost to its people, today has another chance to free itself from the stranglehold of terror. Another chance to release itself from the evil control of Syria and the deadly influence of Iran, and deploy its forces in the south, exercising its sovereignty over a free Lebanon.

There are words that speak far louder and clearer than anything I can voice today. These are voices of Lebanese - brave, patriotic Lebanese parliamentarians and ministers - who just over the last two days have cried out to all of us from the brink of the abyss in their beloved country. Let me quote some of these courageous statements. The words of Lebanon's communication minister, Maruan Hammuda, saying that "Damascus gives the orders, Iran supplies the equipment, Israel reacts, Lebanon is the victim."

Or the words of Elias Attallah, a Lebanese politician representing a majority of its parliament members: "We welcome any Arab and international support but strongly oppose any enforced involvement of Lebanon by regional players' considerations [a reference to Syria and Iran] that are not within the interests of the Lebanese people for the sole attempt to achieving opportunistic benefits at the expense of the Lebanese people . . . The Syrian regime indulges itself in teaching Lebanon and Palestine lessons according to its own interests through these peoples. Why do those who always protect this regime express understanding of its reasons and preferences and do not express any understanding of Lebanon's reasons and preferences?"

Or the words of an unnamed Lebanese minister, who said, "The Hezbollah has not only kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, it has taken the whole of Lebanon hostage."

This council and the international community have a duty today to help the Lebanese people achieve the goal of a free, prosperous and democratic Lebanon. It is up to every one of us to ensure that this opportunity is seized, not only for the benefit of the Lebanese and Israeli people, but for the sake of generations to come.

(10)
Anonymous,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

,PRAY FOR PEACE HOPE,FOR JUSTICE & FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT TO BE.

(9)
Jerry Adams,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Good Luck And God Bless

I thank you for the oppritunity to Pray at the wall

(8)
Lawrence Zweig,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

I'd say that it didn't start with occupation...

B“H

… but now it's the occupation, colonization, wall-building (land grab), and injustice that THEY are mostly fighting against. At the same time, an end to the occupation and aggression of Israeli politics might just make more room for more Jewish content in the lives of Israeli Jews. That won't work though unless all Israelis are treated equally.

Sei gesund

(7)
Cheryl Johnson,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Right is on your side.

I commend Israel and all its troops for taking the correct avenue to avenge evil. I wish my country (USA) could go in and did what needed to be done without caving to the opinions of others (inside or outside of the USA). Hopefully, one day, Israel may live in peace and prosper.
Thank you for allowing me to express my feelings.
Cheryl Johnson

(6)
Luis,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

True Motive Best Defined

While I haven't been the biggest Charles Krauthammer fan in the past, I concur wholeheartedly with his assesment of the false pretense put on by Trans-Jordanian militants and Lebanese Shi'ites(and others) to justify their cowardly, unprovoked acts. The notion of the sacredness tied to "pre-1967" borders by Arabs is right-on with it's current perceived reverence for same. Just who exactly "inhabited" this scrub land prior to 1967? Answer: Hardly anybody; and certainly not Trans-Jordanians. The same can be said for any history associated with the Trans-Jordanians pre-1964. Simply stated, there isn't one. It's all fabricated. As for the aforementioned "history . . . who needs it?" quandry, the correct answer is that the collective non-Jewish world does. The Jewish state is losing the PR battle by not keeping fact from fiction current on the front burner in the fight against terrorism, militancy and national sovereignty. First of all, do not acquiesce by referring to Trans-Jordanians as "Palestinians". There is no such thing. Remember: This label was applied originally to Jews but has since been co-opted by Arabs. Palestine (Provincia Syria-Palestina) was a name given to the land of Israel by Romans in A.D. 135. Get the true word out at every instance and do not let Arabs define the parameters of what will be most certainly a rewritten map of the middle east. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and perseverance of the Jewish state, Medinat Israel, now and forever.

(5)
Anonymous,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

How do make those who will not listen understand

How do you make those who will not listen understand that this land belonged to the Jews long before there was a religion of Islam. That G-d gave gave this land to the Jews. That this our home....as much as it is there's.

This was a very good article. The "Wheels" in Washington and in other countries should read it and learn and understand. These terrorists are not fighting for freedom or their "rights". They are are the puppets of Syria and Iran.

Perhaps during the war when Israel was 20 miles outside of Damascus, Israel shouldn't have listened to Washington and the UN, perhaps they should have gone into Damascus and cleaned house.

If it was the U.S., would we stop, would we not defend ourself. The world needs to get real about what's going. And Mr. Krauthammer tells it like it REALLY is.

(4)
Eudice F. menkin,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

clearly defined issue

Excellent review by Charles Krauthammer of recent (1948-2006} historical reasons behind Israel's defense of its life.

(3)
Larry,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

You are right on

Your article is exactly accurate. Why doesn't everyone else get it.

(2)
Yoka bazilewich,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Thanks

As always Mr.Krauthammer comes right to the point and even teaches us more about the history of our homeland. Now If only the media would help telling the truth and point it out.
Thanks Mr.Krauthammer for pointing it out .

(1)
Glen Jenvey,
July 16, 2006 12:00 AM

British-based Terrorists Call for Destruction of Israel and Jews Worldwide.

British-based Terrorists Call for Destruction of Israel and Jews Worldwide.

As the conflict in the Middle East boils over, British-based terrorists are calling for the complete destruction of Israel and Jews worldwide using global terrorism.

Recordings made of a July 14 cyber conversation on a radical Islamic group found on www.paltalk.com (Followers of Ahl Al Sunnah Wal Jamaah, found in the Religion and Theology Islam section of Paltalk) reveal that horrifying agenda.

For example. The transcript of a recent conversation on that Paltalk group by an individual who while identifying himself on the group by a different name may be the controversial Abu Izadeen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Izzadeen) read, “We should expose this cancer Israel for being a thorn in the side of Muslims for 80 years or more. We can't just sit back saying nothing (or) doing nothing ... Israel should not be there. No one should except ... the Muslims ... The Israelis should not have any space at all to live in Palestine because that's why it's called Palestine. The Israelis are sitting in Muslim lands in Palestine. Israel is not a government. It’s not a nation. It’s an occupying army occupying Muslim lands. It should be thrown out.”

Another portion of the conversation read, “Other Jews not from Israel, yes, we hate them as well. Now other non-Jews, we hate them as well. Christians, Hindus, any faith that does not worship Allah we hate and are our enemies. Hate all disbelievers.”

The writer asked, rhetorically, what can be done. He answered, “From the time the (heathen) Briton, American and Israel enter Muslims lands, it's the right of all Muslims now. It is global jihad! When the jihad has spread all over the world, occupation has spread to every country in the Muslim lands. Now it has become a war declared openly (and) the jihad affects every single Muslim. (We encourage every Muslim) to fight the jihad physically, financially and verbally – all three – so (those who are) far away from the fight or can't reach it ... can still support ... the jihad ... We can incite the believers; we can promote the jihad and mujahideen. Let the (heathen) know they are not just fighting a few Muslims in Beirut, but 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide ... United we will condemn them in London, speak out asking Allah to destroy them; no two states. We are going to ask Allah to destroy them completely so that there is not one left; every single one is dead in Israel. Give victory to the Muslims and destroy all of our enemies.”

The writer also criticized (the terrorist group) Hamas, currently Palestinian's ruling party. He stated,

“Hamas is never going to have victory while it's involved in any democratic process ... Victory is only in the hands of Allah. It does not matter who you have on your side. Allah is the only one who can give victory, not the (unbelievers or) the parliament. Nobody other than Allah. That is the driving force behind our actions. If we have this al-Qaeda, we know we fight the jihad. ... even if we don't have large force, if we only have 10 and they have 10,000, we will never compromise. It’s our al-Qaeda that makes us fight. It teaches us that we will get victory from Allah. Allah can give us victory even with one man.”

Another portion of the same conversation read that even if the Muslim guerilla group Hezbollah stops hostilities against Israel, this group has no intention of doing so. “We are not going to stop fighting Israel. Let Hezbollah stop fighting; we are not going to stop fighting Israel. They the Israelis are the enemy of Muslims all the way from Indonesia to Spain to Africa. We must fight the Israelis; they are (occupiers) of Muslim lands. We must fight them physically, verbally and financially.”

The group of which this writer is a part is reportedly linked to al- Qaeda but based in the United Kingdom, with members in cities such as London and Birmingham. Members of the group hold nightly meetings on www.paltalk.com

The group’s spiritual leader, Omar Bakri who fled from London to Lebanon, speaks regularly from Beirut to his followers via Paltalk. He preaches a message of hate against Israel, America and Britain (www.glen-jenvey.com/audio/BakriSermonsofJihad.zip).

After some recent media attention was focused on this group, a disclaimer is now posted on the site. It reads, “This room is an open, public and largely unrestricted room, any views aired or posted in this room are not necessarily the views held by the owners, users or admins of the room.”

The apparent lack of response by British law enforcement officials and others has given rise to fears that western political leaders do not understand that radical Islam is on a crusade both openly and behind closed doors to destroy Israel, and wreak havoc in America and Britain.

According to Vigil Network member Glen Jenvey, who has provided the monitoring of the Paltalk site, Bakri maintains contact with his followers via cell phone from Beirut telling them he is well, but living close to the Beirut airport bombed by Israel.

Jenvey said by e-mail, “If what is openly going on in London and across the U.K. is going on in mosques across Europe and in other western countries, we are headed for trouble. It’s a call by radical Muslims for an all out open war on the west and all democratic nations. We could be dealing with not a few hundred Muslims like in the U.K. capital, but thousands of western Muslims ready to take up arms on our streets in an all out war against other faiths.”

Jenvey ominously added, “Political figures might be missing the facts: that a hard-line spiritual leader like Omar Bakri, with access from Beirut to telephones faxes and computers plus chat sites, is as bad as him being in London himself stirring up racial troubles. We are going to face the fact that it might not be long before we see another terror strike on the U.K.” .

Vigil Network is a new organization established in Britain in late 2005 which by using a team of volunteer cyber experts (of whom Jenvey is one), are hoping to ensure that the terrible events of July 7 2005 will never again happen in the U.K.

Vigil attempts to achieve its goals by monitoring the online radical Islamic movement. Its members then pass on reliable assistance and information to the British authorities and help them foil terrorist plots and break up Jihadist cells.

Vigil’s Dominic Whiteman emphasized that the network does not replace British law enforcement, but acts as a reliable interface between volunteer terror trackers and the British authorities.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...